'Noon Year's Eve' at Turning Stone Resort and Casino (video)

VERONA -- Senior citizens brought the new year in a little early at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Participants celebrated "Noon Year's Eve" at the Season's Harvest Buffet patio and the blue room with champagne, hats, horns, music, and a balloon drop for senior citizens who may not want to go stay out too late on New Year's Eve.

Daniel J. Hayes and Norie Cook of Syracuse were out for the brunch, though they plan on bringing in the new year at midnight as well.

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"We come out every week to dance, eat, drink and gamble," said Cook.

Hayes said the program has been running since February despite the initial announcement that it was only going to be for four or five weeks. Hayes and Cook have been bringing friends almost every week since the program started, attending 45 of the 49 Friday lunch-ins.

"This program has been extremely popular with our seniors," said Oneida Nation public affairs manager Dan Smith. "This is the first year we've done Noon Year's and it's popular."

Because of the popularity of the Friday brunch program, Turning Stone decided to throw a new years bash for the seniors as well. there will still be a brunch Friday, Jan. 4.

Hayes and his band of swinging seniors brought in the new year dancing through the balloon drop and toasting with champagne. Hayes said that for himself and his friends, New Year's Eve doesn't end here.

The casino will hold New Year's Eve events throughout the rest of the day and into the evening.